Nothing speaks better to the popularity of the Netherlands among labor migrants than the ethnic statistics, according to which more than 20% of the population consists of foreigners.

The Netherlands is considered one of the most densely populated countries on the planet. Despite its small size, the population is over 17 million people as of 2023.

We have briefly outlined some features of life and work in the Netherlands that you need to know when choosing the country for temporary or permanent residence.

Informative Facts About the Netherlands

Convenient Location
- The Netherlands is located in Western Europe, situated between Germany and Belgium. It serves as one of the main transport hubs in the EU.

Strong Economy
- The Netherlands has the sixth-largest economy in the European Union.

Low Unemployment Rate
- The unemployment rate in the Netherlands is 3.6% as of 2023, making it one of the lowest in the world.

High Salaries
- The Netherlands ranks 15th in the international wage ranking. In terms of the minimum wage level in 2023, the Netherlands surpasses countries such as Hungary, Poland, Croatia, Estonia, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.

High Quality of Life
- In terms of financial well-being, Dutch families rank 6th in the world. The same ranking was achieved by the country in the UN survey on the "Happiest Country."

Natural and Historical Tourism Appeal
- The Netherlands is famous for its cheeses, tulips, porcelain, canals, and wooden windmills. Here, you will find most of the world's museums.

However, the reverse side of the ideal "picture" also exists. So, let's talk about the disadvantages of the beautiful "tulip capital" for foreigners residing in the Netherlands, whether permanently or temporarily.

Cons of the Netherlands for Migrant Workers

Language
- For English-speaking citizens, this point is more likely to be a plus since, apart from the native Dutch language, 80% of residents also speak English. English is so popular that native speakers are practically accent-free. However, for citizens without knowledge of English, living and finding work in the Netherlands can be a problem. Employers usually include knowledge of English or Dutch as a requirement even for unskilled workers. Therefore, for people without language skills, the job market is quite limited.

High Taxes
- Taxes in the Netherlands can be considered among the highest in the European Union. The income tax calculation is divided into three categories depending on the salary level. On average, tax deductions reach 30% of the earnings.

High Rent Costs
- The average rent for a one-room apartment in the Netherlands is 1175 Euros, and in remote areas, it is around 970 Euros. The most expensive cities for living are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

The employment drawbacks in the Netherlands have the most significant impact on candidates without knowledge of the English language. Without this skill, workers may be eligible for lower wages, feel the burden of high taxes more, and when combined with high rent, it may dampen the overall appeal of earnings.

Minimum and Average Wages in the Netherlands

The minimum wage in the Netherlands depends on the age of the worker and the number of hours worked per week.

Minimum gross salary for workers aged 21 and older:
- Monthly: 1995 Euros/month.
- Weekly: 460 Euros/week.
- Daily: 92.08 Euros/day.
- Hourly: 11.51 Euros/hour (assuming a 40-hour workweek).

It's crucial to note that these salaries are gross figures. Considering the average tax rate, which varies around 20-25%, it's not difficult to calculate the net earnings.

The size of the average wage in the Netherlands in 2023, according to the plans of the Dutch Central Planning Bureau, will be 2855 Euros/month gross and 2152 Euros/month net.